Arctic Atmospheric Observatories

Atmospheric Rivers

These narrow corridors of concentrated moisture transport in the atmosphere are a key process linking weather and climate. When striking land, ARs can produce flooding rains that can cause damage to life and property.

Boulder Atmospheric Observatory (BAO)

A research facility in Erie, CO maintained by the ESRL Physical Sciences Division, which is used for studying the planetary boundary layer and for testing and calibrating atmospheric sensors.

CalWater 2015

A study of phenomena that play key roles in water supply availability and extreme precipitation events along the US West Coast: Atmsopheric Rivers and Aerosol Impacts on Precipitation.

Climate Attribution

Identifying the major sources of observed climate and weather patterns. Includes determining causes of observed climate variations that may not be unusual, but for which great public interest exists because of profound societal impacts.

Causes and Predictability of the 2011 to 2014 California Drought

According to this NOAA-sponsored study, natural oceanic and atmospheric patterns are the primary drivers behind California's ongoing drought.

Hydrometeorology Testbed (HMT)

Conducting research on precipitation and weather conditions that can lead to flooding, and fostering transition of scientific advances and new tools into forecasting operations.